Understanding Vanessa’s Law for Teen Drivers in Minnesota
January 21, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Minnesota teen drivers who are convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation are subject to a penalty that would bar them from driving until they are at least 18 years old. This penalty is due to Vanessa’s Law. If you or your child are at risk of losing driving privileges because of Vanessa’s Law, an attorney can help you secure the best possible outcome.
What Is Vanessa’s Law in Minnesota?
Vanessa’s Law is a Minnesota statute that restricts driving privileges for teens convicted of an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation. Teens penalized under Vanessa’s Law cannot obtain a driver’s license until they are at least 18. There are slight differences in how the law applies to unlicensed teens versus teens with provisional licenses, which we’ll explain below.
Vanessa’s Law was passed in May of 2004, one year after Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before turning 16. Vanessa was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old. Vanessa’s Law was named in her memory and aims to protect people from injuries and fatal accidents caused by teen drivers.
How Vanessa’s Law Applies to Unlicensed Teens
Unlicensed teens convicted of a crash-related moving violation or alcohol/controlled substance violation cannot receive a license, provisional license, or instruction permit until they are 18 years old.
Offenses related to alcohol and controlled substances include violations of the following statutes:
After they turn 18, the individual must complete the following steps to receive a license:
- Meet the reinstatement requirements listed on their withdrawal notice
- Pass the written test for a Class D driver’s license
- Apply for a Minnesota instruction permit
- Hold their instruction permit for at least six months (three months if age 19 or older)
- Take and pass the road test
How Vanessa’s Law Applies to Teens with Provisional Licenses
Teens whose driving privileges are revoked due to a crash-related moving violation or alcohol/controlled substance violation cannot regain a license until they are 18 years old or their withdrawal period has ended, whichever is longer.
Once those requirements are met, the individual typically must complete the following steps to receive a license (requirements for reinstatement may vary depending on the individual’s case):
- Pass the written test for a Class D driver’s license
- Pay the $680 reinstatement fee
- Complete an in-person, 30-hour classroom driver education course
- Apply for a Minnesota instruction permit
- Hold their instruction permit for 90 days, during which they must complete six hours of behind-the-wheel driver education
- Apply for a driver’s license
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys for Assistance
The possibility of losing your driving privileges can be frightening, but you do have rights and options. At Barna, Guzy & Steffen, we have attorneys experienced in both criminal defense and DUI/DWI defense. These attorneys will work to understand all facets of your case and devote themselves to achieving the best possible outcome. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better they will be able to protect your rights and interests.